Soon Spring will be upon us in Southwest Michigan, so I thought I would take a moment to share some of my own photos on the favorite flowers I look forward to in the Spring:
Tulips make the Spring in Southwest Michigan!
Dandelions up close are a wonder of natural artistry
Even geese like Dandelions…
Last week when I was traveling to go look at some houses in Three Rivers, Michigan I drove into a winter storm front. The ‘Lake Effect’ snow was starting to come down, and the visibility was becoming more difficult. On one of the roads I was driving on, the traffic slowed down and there was a Amish buggy in one lane. Fortunately I had my camera next to me, and was able to snap this photo. The contrast between the lights on the buggy, and the winter weather was kind of aesthetic in its own peculiar way.
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Last September I took a vacation to North Carolina, and took a drive through the Smoky Mountain National Park on my way home with my wife. When we began our journey on the Blue Ridge parkway, it was slightly rainy. As the day progressed, we left the Blue Ridge and took the route through the Smoky Mountains. When we reached the parking area where there is a sight seeing point on the State line of North Carolina and Tennessee, the fog was all around us. This made for an interesting setting, and I had this photo taken of me on this journey. I hope you enjoy it.
Michael Delaware, Realtor and Author in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, elevation 5046 Feet at the North Carolina & Tennessee State line in September 2012.
In September of 2012, I traveled to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is one of my favorite places to visit whenever in that area of the Eastern U.S. Along the scenic roadway that one travels though the park from North Carolina to Tennessee, there are many tunnels. These are works of art in themselves, all built from stone and carved into the mountains. Here is one my better shots I took, as my wife and I emerged from one of these famous tunnels.
Although as of this writing, it is too early in the year for dogwood trees to bloom, I thought I would share some photos of one I captured last season. The dogwood tree has a unique
A Dogwood bloom.
flower that has always captured my attention. It is hard to overlook in a forest when one is going for a nature walk.
The dogwood tree is classified as Cornus Florida. Its dense wood has been used for a variety of small hand made items from dulcimers to laminated tennis rackets and walking canes. The bark is sometimes used in combating malaria, as it is rich in tannin. It has also been used for larger items such as basket for pressing fruit and wine.
Ultimately, however, I merely love coming across one when it is in full bloom in a quiet forest, and taking time to admire its beauty.
Dogwoods blooming in a Southwest Michigan forest.
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I often take my camera with me when I travel around the Southwest Michigan countryside, and occasionally a pause to take a photo of something that I think is interesting or fun. Seeing cows is common, but seeing them in a winter setting is somehow peaceful and aesthetic.
The symmetry of some of these rural country roads in winter captures my eye as a photographer. I took this photo when I was in a rural area a few weeks ago, and I thought the rise and fall of the unpaved road and the alignment of trees was quite beautiful. I thought I would share it on my blog today.
The beauty of a rural road in Michigan.
I drove by a city park near downtown Battle Creek recently, and was amazed at all of the ducks still swimming in the icy pond. I guess I had an idea they all flew south for the winter, but I guess that is not the case. They all seemed to be enjoying the water, and standing on the ice did not seem an inconvenience to them. Looking at this photo, it seems kind of strange to see the contrast of the ice and water with its perfect transition.
This is a photo I took recently of the remains of a tree one morning in Dowling, Michigan. I thought it was a nice contrast against the morning sky, and somewhat symbolizes the concept of ‘endurance through all time’. This tree has faced infestation, cutting of its limbs, and possibly storm damage, etc. It still tries to grow again with new sprigs. It is standing and enduring despite all efforts to destroy it.
Standing and enduring against the odds.
There is nothing that quite matches the stare of a bull looking at your camera as you take his picture. I was out in the countryside near Dowling, Michigan recently and took this photo of a bull in a field. Yes there was snow on the ground, but it did not deter him from dining on the grass.
